Endrick turning into an unstoppable force in France

Eight matches, eight wins. That is Olympique Lyonnais’ record since the start of the year. Fonseca’s men have become an unstoppable juggernaut, made even more formidable by the arrival of Endrick. The player, on loan from Real Madrid, did not score in the narrow victory over Lille, but his presence has been a breath of fresh air, the missing piece that completes a team aspiring to great things this season. A solitary goal from Nartey was enough to secure an eighth consecutive win for the Rhône side.

It was not a memorable afternoon for the Brazilian prodigy. Lille’s game plan, promising in its early stages but less effective in execution, prevented the striker from finding his rhythm across the full 90 minutes. He was drawn into several intense duels with Perraud, who gave him no respite. The northerners stopped him from turning, from running, and even halted him with repeated fouls, including a particularly heavy challenge from Ngoy early in the second half that left him on the ground for five minutes.

Lyon badly missed Tolisso and Morton, two midfielders who had established themselves as Endrick’s key partners in the opening matches. However, debutant Noah Nartey, a powerful midfielder recently arrived in the Rhône, seized his opportunity. He put Fonseca’s side ahead with a superb finish at a moment when OL were under their greatest pressure.

Lille dominated possession and created numerous chances, but matches are decided by finishing, and this side continues to struggle for clinical edge. Greif, the former Mallorca goalkeeper, produced two outstanding saves. The first denied Perraud at point-blank range, and the second stopped a cross-shot from Fernández-Pardo. Lyon breathed a sigh of relief.

Endrick’s performance faded as the match wore on. His energy currently lasts around 70 minutes, which is understandable after a start to the season in which he barely featured for Xabi Alonso. The hyperactivity he brings to every game, for better or worse, clearly takes its toll. Even so, his pressing intensity and explosiveness remain a major asset for a team that has long lacked a player of his profile.

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The 1-0 scoreline slowed the tempo. Lyon survived by defending with grit and determination. Fonseca’s men are formidable in their solidity, rarely exposed and entirely comfortable in this kind of contest. Endrick could have made it 2-0, but his effort, which would not have stood had offside been given, brushed the post. The Groupama Stadium rose to applaud him when he was substituted in stoppage time. OL look unstoppable right now and dream of a historic end to the season, with the Brazilian leading the charge.

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